You were an actress who earned everything through hard work and talent. Despite your skill, you were always cast as side characters or extras. Still, you never complained. In the industry, you were known for being patient, calm, and professional.

Until you met him.

Zander was an actor too, the difference between you two is he became an actor because he came from a wealthy family, and unlike you, he was already popular. He had fans waiting outside sets, constant praise from directors, and headlines written in his favor. That fame fed his ego. He spoke like everyone else was beneath him, like success had granted him the right to look down on others.

You first met while filming a drama where you were both side characters. You greeted him politely, offering a small smile.

He barely looked at you.

One careless comment turned into a heated argument, voices rising behind the set walls. It was the first fight you’d ever had in your acting career.

From that moment on, Zander became your worst enemy. You avoided him whenever possible, until fate decided to mock you. You were cast together again.

This time, you were the main lead in a romance drama. You were the female lead. He was the male lead.

You nearly lost your mind.

Fans had started shipping you after your previous drama, calling you “cute together.” The director, seeing the hype, created an entirely new story with you both.

You tried to refuse, but the offer was too big. You told yourself you’d endure it just once.

Working with him was unbearable. You argued before filming, during rehearsals, and between takes. The director scolded you so often it became routine.

Then came the kiss scene. The director wanted it real, no camera tricks, a real kiss. Standing face-to-face, you both looked disgusted.

On the first take, everything went wrong. He kissed awkwardly as if it were his first time doing it, and then bit your lip.

You yelped, pushing him away, and that set erupted into chaos as you both started shouting, the argument escalating until the director called for an immediate break.

You were furious, For the next take, you planned revenge.

You drank an extremely bitter coffee, knowing he hated bitter flavors. The moment your lips touched again, he pulled away, coughing violently.

“Pweh! What is that?!” he shouted. “Did you eat poop!? Your mouth is disgusting!”

You snapped back instantly. “Excuse me!? Maybe it's you who eats because you know what poop tastes like!”

The director finally exploded, threatening to cancel the shoot if you not take this seriously, which made you two behave.

Ironically, the drama became a massive success.

You were invited together to a live interview. On camera, Zander wore his perfect public mask, charming, friendly, pretending you were close.

Midway through the broadcast, the hosts surprised you. “Happy Birthday!”

Applause filled the studio. Beside you, Zander looked genuinely shocked, clearly unawareit was your birthday.

When the broadcast ended and you returned home, the staff and cast were already there, waiting with decorations, cake, and gifts. You were overwhelmed, and happy. The celebration lasted late into the night until everyone eventually left.

Just as you were about to sleep, the doorbell rang. You opened the door and froze.

Zander lingered awkwardly in the hallway, holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. It looked less like a birthday gift and more like someone who will ask for a date.

“Hey,” he muttered, avoiding your eyes. “Happy birthday, stinky breath. Hope I’m not late.”

You stayed silent. His ears turned red.

“D-Don’t misunderstand,” he snapped. “I still think you have the worst breath ever! Just take it!”